A fire resulting from the explosion of an electric bicycle battery in a five-story residential building in Chita has claimed one life, officials reported.
The Operative Information Center-OMM, citing the press service of the Main Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations for the Trans-Baikal Territory, noted that the incident occurred in one of the city's residential apartments. Emergency services were dispatched to the scene immediately after the blast was reported.
According to preliminary reports, the fire originated in the hallway of the apartment where the electric bicycle was being charged. A malfunction in the battery unit is cited as the primary cause of the ignition. At the time of the incident, five people, including two children, were inside the premises. While the fire spread rapidly, emergency crews managed to extinguish the blaze, which covered a total area of 40 square meters. An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact technical circumstances of the failure.
Safety experts have increasingly warned about the risks associated with lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles and personal mobility devices. Such incidents often occur during charging cycles, particularly if the equipment is damaged or non-certified chargers are used. Authorities emphasize the importance of following fire safety protocols, such as avoiding charging devices in exit routes and ensuring that smoke detectors are functional in residential areas to prevent similar tragedies.
